Canada Day, July 1, is this Wednesday, and there are plenty of activities to participate in throughout Halifax to celebrate the nation’s 159th birthday.
In honour of all the people organizing events on what is most people’s day off, here are all the events we could find happening on Canada Day throughout the city.
Canada Day at the Canadian Museum of Immigration
Family-friendly activities, live performances, and community programming will make up most of the Canada Day celebrations at the Canadian Museum of Immigration on Pier 21. The best part? It’s all for free.
From 9:30am to 5:30pm, visitors can partake in a scavenger hunt, crafts, exhibitions, a photobooth, a make-and-take by Holdfast Bricks, and a giant building brick mosaic. From 9:30am to 2:30pm, Jason Skinner will be leading an outdoor chalk art activity.
The Citizenship Ceremony, open to the public, will begin at 10am. The New Canadian Pep Rally will follow starting at 11:30am.
Freddy Mujica will be playing Latin Music at the museum’s entrance starting at 10am until 4pm. There will also be choral performances by the Halifax Newcomer Choir, Harana Singers, Creative Ukranians, and more starting at 12pm and going until 1:30pm. Starting at 1:30pm will be a group sing-a-long with Big Sing.
At 1pm, there will be a special World Cup screening and related activities.
Canada Day at The Halifax Citadel
The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is offering free admission on Canada Day, making it a great opportunity to check out its new indoor exhibit, “Fortress Halifax: A City Shaped by Conflict”. Cake will be served with a 21-gun salute at noon. Open from 10am to 4pm.
July 1 also marks World Refugee Day. Walk along the waterfront starting at the Sackville landing at 10am towards the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Wear yellow in support, listen to speeches, check out information booths and network.
Family Fun on The Commons
You and the family are invited to hang out at the Halifax Commons from 11am to 4pm this Canada Day. Free skating, bouncy castles, soccer, and more, featuring the Halifax Wanderers.
The aquatics pool will be open for a mermaid swim from 10:30am to 12:30pm with open swimming from 2pm to 4pm. A scavenger hunt is planned to start at 12:45pm.
Mawio’mi at The Oval
Celebrate Kana’ta Canada Day with traditional art, games, and performances courtesy of Nova Scotia’s Indigenous communities. Elder Geri will give blessings with Mayor Andy Fillmore set to speak. Musical performances from DJ Fawn Big Canoe and The Relatives, a traditional women’s dance, and Indigenous vendors set up throughout the Oval. Taking place from 11am to 3pm.
10th Annual Canada Day Drumming Celebration
Since 2017, this annual event has celebrated Canada’s birthday with drumming organized with Halifax’s local immigrant communities. This will take place at the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park. It will also feature multicultural performances, such as bands and dancing groups, between 12pm and 4pm. Performers include Dim Sum Fund Band, Accur8 Band, Culture Shock Junkanoo Music Group, and more.
Atlantic Breaking Alliance Showcase
An annual hip-hop and street dance showcase featuring dancers of all ages at the Foundation Wharf. Children can experience a dance workshop between 3pm to 4pm. A waterfront dance battle will start at 4pm and last until 6:30pm.
Desi Summer Music Fest: Season 3
Global beats from around the world land on the Halifax Waterfront in this musical celebration, featuring music of Desi Bollywood, Folk, Middle Eastern rhythms, Hollywood hits, and EDM. Experience diverse cultures through music and dance the night away. Begins at 6pm and ends around 10pm.
The African Nova Scotian Music Association hosts this live concert at the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park from 7:30pm to 10pm, featuring Jody Upshaw, DJ Webber, Yung Stak, Mr. Jay, and Harmz.
Fireworks Kana’ta
Fireworks over the harbour are the perfect end to the Canada Day celebrations. Beginning around 10pm, fireworks will be set off across the waterfront. The best viewing locations are the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park and the Foundation Wharf.
Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo
The Tattoo Canada Day Parade is back in Halifax, starting at the Scotiabank Centre and routing around downtown Halifax before returning to the start. With over 25 entries, it’s a parade you won’t want to miss. Starts at 10am.
Enjoy Canada Day with the Halifax Wanderers as they take on Atlético Ottawa at the Wanderers Grounds, starting at 5pm.
Enjoy Canada Day in the heart of Peggy’s Cove with games, live music, face painting, portraits and a prize giveaway. Starts at 11am and goes until 4pm. Organized by Six by the Sea.
The Pop Up Market presents the Mini Pet Expo, an opportunity to browse locally curated pet goods featuring 15+ vendors. From 12pm to 6pm, free admission.
